Surprise golfer outshines Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and other stars on Day 1 of PGA Championship

Potgieter, the co-leader of the PGA Championship after Day 1, will need to maintain his stellar putting for the rest of the tournament. He may no longer need to worry about Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy or American Bryson DeChambeau after they stunk on Thursday. 

Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau bombed at PGA Championship

2026 Masters champion McIlroy is tied for 107th (74, 4-over-par), while DeChambeau is tied for 134th (76, 6-over-par) after the first round. Both players are at risk of missing the cut on Friday. The top 70 players from the initial group of 156 after the first two days advance to the third round.

Thursday marks the third time McIlroy has shot 74 or worse in a round this season — the frustrated golfer offered a blunt assessment of his play in a news conference. 

"S---," McIlroy said when asked how he would describe his opening round (h/t Field Level Media).

McIlory may use a blister on his right pinky toe as an alibi. The injury doesn't sound serious, but it forced him to switch shoes multiple times during practice, which may be affecting his play. DeChambeau has no excuse. 

This continues a slump for DeChambeau, who missed the cut at the 2026 Masters. He certainly wishes he were playing more like Potgieter, who was the biggest surprise of Day 1. Keep tabs on whether he keeps rolling on Friday when he tees off at 12:15 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+).